Martin H. Foery

Major General Martin H. Foery, U.S. Army
Martin H. Foery
Born	May 17, 1913(1913-05-17) Brooklyn, Illinois
Died	June 4, 1994(1994-06-04) (aged 81) Rockville Centre, New York
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1931–1973
Rank	Major General
Commands held	42nd Infantry Division 27th Infantry Division 165th Infantry Regiment
Battles/wars	World War II Battle of Makin Battle of Saipan
Awards	Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal

Martin H. Foery (May 17th, 1913 – June 4th, 1994), was an Army Major General born in Brooklyn, New York. He served as the Commanding General of 42nd Infantry Division "Rainbow Division" from 1963 to 1973.

Contents

Early Years

Martin H. Foery was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1913. He graduated from St. Johns University in 1936 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was married to the late Kathryn E. Foery (nee Shea) and they had four children.

Military Career and Background

Foery enlisted in the 165th Infantry (69th Infantry) Army National Guard in 1931. His first assignment was as a Private with Company "A", 1st Battalion, 165th Infantry Regiment. He was promoted to Corporal in 1933 and Sergeant in 1934. He remained with Co. "A" until he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1938 when he was assigned to Company "D", 1st Battalion. In 1940 he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

World War II

In 1941 the 165th was inducted into Federal service and was assigned to the U.S. Army 27th Infantry Division. At that time he was Executive Officer of Company "D", 1st Btn.

During WWII he served in the Pacific Theater as company commander during the Marianas Campaign. In 1942 he was promoted to Captain. He served as Executive Officer, and subsequently the Commanding Officer, of the 165th Inf., 3rd Battalion. He was promoted to Major in 1943. He was cited for Gallantry during the invasions of Makin in 1943 and Saipan in 1944. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and "V" Device.

In 1945 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Due to a family hardship he was transferred stateside subsequently assigned to a Training Regiment at the Army Ground Forces Replacement Depot at Fort George Meade, Maryland.

Post World War II

At the conclusion of WWII he left Federal service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1947 he was assigned as the Executive Officer of the 165th Infantry Regiment. In 1949 he was promoted to Colonel and was made the Commanding Officer of the 165th Infantry Regiment. Upon his promotion to C.O., he completed the military cycle from private to commander of the regiment he had joined eighteen years earlier. He was also a 1952 graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

In 1957 he was promoted to a federally recognized Brigadier General. He served as Assistant Division Commander of the 42nd Infantry Division from 1957 until 1963. In 1963 he was promoted to a federally recognized Major General and was subsequently named Commanding General by then New York State Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller.

In March 1970 he mobilized the 42nd Infantry as part of Operation Graphic Hand to deliver U.S. Mail during the postal strike in New York. In 1973 he was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal. He retired from service in 1973.

Promotions

• Private – 1931
• Corporal – 1933
• Sergeant – 1934
• 2nd Lieutenant – 1938
• 1st Lieutenant – 1940
• Captain – 1942
• Major – 1943
• Lieutenant Colonel – 1945
• Colonel – 1949
• Brigadier General – 1957
• Major General – 1963

Awards and Decorations

Foery's awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and "V" Device, American Defense, American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign ( w/ two battle stars and Arrowhead device), WWII Victory, Combat Infantry Badge, Armed Forces Reserve (w/ Gold Hourglass device), New York Conspicuous Service Medal, New York State Military Commendation, New York State Long & Faithful Service, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, New York State Aid to Civil Authority Medal, Marksmanship Badge(W/ Rifle Bar) and Honorable Service Button,

Post World War II Career

In his civilian employment, Foery worked as a representative for Prudential Life Insurance Company. He passed away in June 1994.

Military offices
Preceded by Major General Charles C. Nast	Commanding General - 42nd Infantry Division 1963 – 1973	Succeeded by Major General John J. Baker
Preceded by Colonel Martin H Meaney	Commanding Officer - 165th Infantry Regiment 1949 – 1957	Succeeded by Colonel William Lynch

Persondata
Name	Foery, Martin J.
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	May 17th, 1913
Place of birth	Brooklyn, New York
Date of death	June 4th, 1994
Place of death	Rockville Centre, New York